An Acromiopasty is a surgical procedure that targets the acromion area of the shoulder. This area includes the top of the shoulder blade and part of the shoulder blade extending over the shoulder joint. This procedure removes part of the acromion that is causing the tendons in the shoulder to become damaged.
What is it?
Also known as a subacromial decompression, an acromioplasty is a procedure aimed to treat a condition known as impingement syndrome. This condition is caused by an injury to the rotator cuff in the shoulder and affects the tendons of the shoulder. As they become irritated and inflamed, one can experience pain and weakness in the shoulder area. An Acromioplasty removes the damaged acromion from the shoulder area in order to repair areas of the shoulder that are damaged for the patient to feel relief in the shoulder area.
What should I do to prepare?
You should consult with your doctor prior to your procedure in order to determine the best preparation plan for your case. In most cases, this procedure requires general anesthesia, so you should follow normal precautions before receiving general anesthesia. This may include refraining from food or drink the night before the procedure and stopping certain medications.
What happens during the process?
During the process, multiple small incisions will be made in the shoulder area. An arthroscope will be inserted into the incision areas in order to confirm the subacromial impingement. A small area of the bone around the acromion will then be removed in order to relieve some pressure and any damaged tendon will usually be repaired at the same time.
What are the risks and potential complications?
As with most surgeries, an Acromioplasty procedure poses potential risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, and stiffness at the incision site. Scarring and nerve damage may also occur.
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Image Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Rotatorcuff.jpg
